Wearing a hat while flying...

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huertamatt@reddit

Clarity Aloft headset will allow you to wear any hat you want. Even a sombrero.

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archerdynamics@reddit

I've seriously considered getting one so I can fly in a cowboy hat.

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huertamatt@reddit

If you don’t mind things on your ears I absolutely recommend it. Been using Clarity Aloft for 12 years now, and will never go back to a regular headset.

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I think I'd actually prefer them, full-size over the ear headphones always end up sitting painfully on top of my ears after a few hours so the earbud style of the Claritys could actually work really well for me. Only issue might be wearing with glasses but it seems like plenty of people do it without trouble.

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huertamatt@reddit

I wear glasses full time and have no issues. I will say that glasses with straight ear pieces like Oakleys are better, since they don’t wrap around the back of your ear and interfere with the frame of the headset.

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archerdynamics@reddit

That makes sense, my sunglasses are military-style Randolphs so they've got the straight sides, probably something worth thinking about when I get new non-tinted prescription glasses as well.

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MNSoaring@reddit

I have a selfie while wearing a halo with a Tilley hat while doing spin training in a stearman. If that’s not an endorsement for both pieces of headwear, I don’t know what is.

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Over_Cake9611@reddit

Buy caps that are shorter. I just went to Walmart and found plain ball caps for like $8 that sit higher above my ears. If you get the deep ones, it can cause pain with how the headset and my glasses/sunglasses squeeze the cap. But those same ball caps don’t work elsewear because they don’t go as far down when you are driving a car or walking around.

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IlluminationRock@reddit (OP)

Honestly I kinda thought they were all sorta the same. But thats makes a lot of sense to look for ones that sit a bit higher. I will definitely be paying more attention to that!

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FlyingScot1050@reddit

Hats made for runners are a good candidate, they're thin material, unstructured, and a bunch don't have the button on the top as a bonus.

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facepuke01@reddit

Get one of those “tactical” baseball caps. They have Velcro on the top of them instead of a ball. Increases comfort a huge amount, even if it looks a bit silly.

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Junior-Tourist3480@reddit

Also, in small GA aircraft, having a cap on limits your head movement somewhat, and even hit the bill if you move too much. I see a lot of people on youtube wear caps.

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stormostorm@reddit

A low profile hat doesn't break the seal of my A20, just shop around for different hats snd try to find one with the lowest cut. Also I have some hiking baseball caps that I grabbed from REI, they are super thin material and don't break the seal.

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IlluminationRock@reddit (OP)

Im gonna check these out. Are you referring to the polyester (or similar) material hats? Probably way more comfortable on hot days

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Ok-Motor1883@reddit

Look for running hats. They usually…fit the bill 😬

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ljthefa@reddit

You are now a mod for r/dadjokes

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unnecessary_overhead@reddit

The North Face Horizon hat is great for flying (and my favorite baseball hat in general, as a pale bald man who spends a lot of time outside). REI carries them.

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sassinator13@reddit

I had a problem with the seal until I bought a hat from Kuhl to get free shipping on an order. It’s thin enough to not break the seal (also a shameless plug for Flying Eyes for the same reason). Bonus, no button on top to push against my head under the headset.

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c0m413x@reddit

I wear a gulfstream hat. It fits well. I dont notice any gap really I use david clarks and theyre perfect. I really enjoy them. I can tell you if you fly with a cheap head set they will have a gap.

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keenly_disinterested@reddit

First, you need to make sure you have the right kind of cap. If there's too much material in the crown you'll never get a headset on over it unless you have a huuuuge head. You want a low-profile crown. [See this link](https://www.cncaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cap-styles-1-930x1024.jpg). Next, you have to adjust the fit. After you put the headset on over the cap, you pull the cap up ever-so-slightly above your ears while keeping the headset earcup in place. This will get the fabric out from between the earcup and your head allowing them to seal up just like you're not wearing a cap.

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Old_Doubt_2637@reddit

Oh is that why my ears are ringing??? It all makes sense now....

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noahhl@reddit

In ear headset (I like the CQ, but there are many options). Wear any hat and sunglasses you want (also more comfortable, cooler in summer, blocks noise better).

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Robert-BanksJr@reddit

In ear headsets changed my life. love my QCs, wore a pair of A20s the other day and was surprised how terrible the sound and mic quality was compared to the in ears. I wouldn't say the noise attenuation is better than over ears, but it does about 80%-90% of what the A30s and the other brand new over ear noise cancelling headsets.

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JSTootell@reddit

N=1: I tried QA headset, but returned them. Bought a second set of A20's so my passenger and I could both use them

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Robert-BanksJr@reddit

Different strokes for different folks, some people definitely don’t like the feeling of the buds in their ears. I wore the A20s for a 10 hour day and I had killer headache after and bought in ears that night. i have grown to appreciate them more over time, and wouldn’t go back now. Much more manageable to have over ears as a student.

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JSTootell@reddit

I spent years in the engine room of ships wearing hearing protection, so the headphones don't even phase me.

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mutarjim@reddit

Different headsets apply pressure in different ways. The cheap ones I wore when I started my ppl were miserable and even a single ninety minute flight made me hate them. Then I bought a pair of Bose and they fit differently and suddenly, there was no more pain because they squeezed differently. Try different headsets and maybe you'll find one you like? Alternatively, try different hats? I wear a leather newsboy cap that doesn't have a firm structure and I don't even think about it when I'm in the air, but it still has a visor that blocks the sun a bit.

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IlluminationRock@reddit (OP)

Ill keep my eye out for something like that. Ive been wearing pretty standard baseball snapback hats, and the ring that wrap around my head is fairly thick.

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FratStarStallion@reddit

I actually have a few hats I snagged from an AOPA meet (I’m sure there are a lot of other ones out there) that doesn’t have the top button and is pretty low profile. That’s been my go-tos usually. But like previous commenter mentioned, it could be your headset causing the issue but a hat will be a hell of a lot cheaper first test to see if it solves your problem

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always_gone@reddit

I crush that button from the sides with pliers and you can pull them off any hat.

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always_gone@reddit

I crush that button from the sides with pliers and you can pull them off any hat.

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RealAirplanek@reddit

I always wear a baseball cap and put my a20s on top of them the seal issue is more with sunglasses for me but even then all I do is raise or lower them and the seal stays strong. What headset do you wear?

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palbertalamp@reddit

When I took the dog in to get a toe nail clip, I had them just cut a little notch out of each of my ears where the headset sits. Not I can fly with a cowboy hat . Next dog clip , gonna see if they can keep my chaps from sliding up when I go inverted .

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AlexJamesFitz@reddit

On your average baseball dad hat, you can pry the little button off the top with some pliers or similar. That stops it from being driven into your skull by your headset strap and improves the seal situation.

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phliar@reddit

Pro-tip: you can buy them without the stupid button! (I buy them 5 at a time embroidered with my N number, because I'm always leaving the damn things somewhere.)

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burnheartmusic@reddit

Ya, I have to make sure I situate the strap in front/behind this or else I get a surprise headache half way into the flight

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ReconKiller050@reddit

Use gel cups I find the seal much less likely to break on sunglasses, hats etc than foam.

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IlluminationRock@reddit (OP)

I use A20s, seems like the only gel cups I can find are off-brand Amazon knock offs. Any recommendations?

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ReconKiller050@reddit

I have a set of Noisefighter gel cups on one of my A20's but I don't see them on their website anymore. Might be worth shooting them an email to see if they still have some in backstock or finding a reseller. Oregon Aero doesn't make gel cups but they do offer deeper softer foam cup that might help, I've heard that people with larger ears like them better also since they go around the ear more than standard A20 cups but I haven't used them personally. Honestly I'd probably grab a set of amazon gel cups just to see if they work, looks like most are ~$6-20. For what it's worth I don't personally have an issue with any of my headsets DC, Bose or Lightspeed breaking seal on a hat but that's definitely an ergo thing that's different for everyone. Maybe try a low profile lightweight hiking hat since they're thin? I'll link a few options. Sunglasses on the other hand break seal for me all the time I only fly with Flying Eyes or American Optical Aviators these days and leave my Oakleys on the ground. https://www.rei.com/product/245540/rei-co-op-on-the-trail-cap https://www.outdoorresearch.com/products/seattle-rain-cap-281307

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always_gone@reddit

I just put the headset on over the hat and then push the sides/back of the hat up above the ear cups. I can’t remember if I did this as a CFI in singles, but now in a twin turbine it makes a huge difference.

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Lu2244@reddit

Second this as a CFI with A20’s. I just push the sides of the hat up once my headset is on and the difference is quite noticeable and works well

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Squawnk@reddit

My headset usually breaks the seal cause of my hat too, my workaround as always been just slightly scrunching up the sides of the hat until it seals properly. It makes the hat sit a bit odd but never enough that I would call it uncomfortable

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SSMDive@reddit

You use good gel ear cups, for most flying, this will be enough. In the really loud aircraft I then push the hat up by the ears so the hat sits above and not under the gel ear cups. I have noticed the sunglasses play a bigger role in noise getting through than the hat. And as much as I hate to admit it, I recently bought aviator type sunglasses to use while flying. In REALLY loud aircraft, I wear in ear type headsets - (QT HALO/Clarity Aloft).

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Mithster18@reddit

I use Zulu 3's and I just push the band of my hat above the earseales

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PrestigiousScar8602@reddit

I fly with the sky cowboy helmet so only beanies for me.

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Khantahr@reddit

What? I can't hear you over the ringing in my ears.

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_toodamnparanoid_@reddit

MAWP

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IlluminationRock@reddit (OP)

This guy gets it lol

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Future-Project-6074@reddit

Only flown without a hat once and I like having on all the time. I’ve never noticed a buzzing feeling

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ltcterry@reddit

If I’m instructing much of the day I’ll wear my glider flying bucket hat. This provides a good bit of protection for my ears. It looks goofy, but by the time the dermatologist is removing cancerous bits it’s too late to worry about anything but sunburn. I just fold the sides up and put my headset on. Works great. And I put the headset on before engine start because they are just as much for hearing protection as communications.

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zkydash8@reddit

I have A20s and used to always wear a hat while flying. Then one day my co-pilot mentioned they don’t wear one because of it breaking the seal. So I took my hat off right there and put my headset back on and was amazed to realize I’d never flown with a proper seal. Now I always take my hat off before flying.

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IlluminationRock@reddit (OP)

I did this during a flight yesterday and I realized the same. I want to retain my noise canceling but I like the idea of a visor.

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UpdateDesk1112@reddit

Try a golf visor. Put the strap higher on your head.

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andrewrbat@reddit

If you really want to wear a hat get an in ear headset like a proflight or clarity alofts.

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didimentionimapilot@reddit

Clarity aloft headset, or any other in ear, unless the hat is in your ears there’s no issue.

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HazardousAttitudes@reddit

Tank that shit and raise my hand at random during my next hearing test

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Buzz407@reddit

Gel ear seals. [https://store.davidclark.com/ear-seals](https://store.davidclark.com/ear-seals)

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flyboy7700@reddit

I wear a hat and glasses with my trusty old DCs, Bose, ASA and any other headset you throw at me. They all work fine. Is your headset adjusted correctly?

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IlluminationRock@reddit (OP)

I thought it was but maybe not? I have A20s and when I wear a hat there is a tiny gap so the ear pads dont completely seal.

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scarpozzi@reddit

I bought the standard ASA headset when I started. I knew it had a lifetime warranty and figured I would suffer through it because it was $120. It was great, but after 35 hours of flying I upgraded to the Lightspeed Zulu 3. I can wear a hat with either, but usually have it turned around backwards. Both can adjust to accommodate a ballcap. The ASA set is ok, but definitely puts more pressure on my ears, likely to compensate for not being ANR. I have dialed the tension back as low as I could, but it still can be uncomfortable. The Zulu 3 has a softer earmuff and is much more comfortable on any flight. If my wife starts flying with me, I will probably get another Lightspeed headset for her. I just don't want to drop money on it until I know she'll be up there with me. Until then, I'll revert back to the ASA and let her wear the good one.

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allieni@reddit

A hat designed to be worn under a helmet or otherwise that are thin and don’t have the button on top is the ideal I’ve found. Can be found at outdoor equipment stores.

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GingerB237@reddit

Sorry I don’t have any advice, I just put on any old hat and go flying. I use a Bose a30 and don’t have an issue. I also don’t use $300 flying eyes sunglasses either.

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Sailass@reddit

Smaller hats tend to not get in the way for me. The AOPA hat has been my go-to because its got that smaller profile and no stupid button at the top. Learned my lesson bouncing that damn button off the top of my canopy in some turbulence. That fkr hurts!

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity: --- I see so many pilots wearing baseball/trucker hats while flying. How do you guys keep a good seal on your headset? Ive tried this a few times (because having a hat with a brim seems like a great idea) but it always makes a small gap. Its not noticeable at first but after a flight my head feels like its buzzing. Any tips? --- Please downvote this comment until it collapses. Questions about this comment? [Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index/rflyingtower/). --- I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please [contact the mods of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/flying).

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